Maebashi Machinaka Startup Support Subsidy (FY2026)

Overview: Maebashi City's Machinaka Startup Support Subsidy supports operators newly opening stores or offices in vacant retail spaces within the Maebashi Urban Design designated area. It subsidizes renovation and equipment purchase costs to create new appeal in the city center and realize the Maebashi Urban Design vision. Administered by the Nigiwai Commerce Division, applications open April 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027. Eligible Applicants: Operators newly opening in vacant stores within the target area; not in excluded industries (agriculture, forestry, fishing, finance/insurance, high-end nighttime dining, gambling, adult entertainment, schools by educational corporations, religious/political organizations, LLPs); operate 4+ days/week, 2+ hours/day; no municipal tax arrears; not previously receiving this subsidy in the same fiscal year; understand Maebashi Urban Design; for retail/food service/lifestyle services, must join Mebuku Pay electronic local currency. Eligible Expenses & Content: Store renovation costs (interior, exterior, HVAC, plumbing) and equipment with 1+ year useful life and acquisition price 100,000 yen+ per item. Excluded: general-purpose devices (PCs, tablets, smartphones, printers), expenses not directly necessary for business, consumption tax. Projects already receiving other subsidies or already commenced are ineligible. Rate, Cap, Schedule: Subsidy rate is up to 1/2 of eligible expenses. Caps: General Type, designated street 1st floor 1M JPY (daytime) / 500K (nighttime); designated street 2F+ or non-designated 1F 800K/400K; other 500K/250K. Urban Design Acceleration Project adds 1M JPY. Machiyado Type up to 2M JPY. Apply April 1, 2026 - Feb 28, 2027; open business and report by March 31, 2027. Performance report due within 30 days after opening.